Harness Change at Bigland Hall

29/08/2026

🐴 Our NEW booking system is now live! 🐴

You can now register and book your Harness Change sessions through our new, easier-to-use booking system.

Getting started is simple:
1️⃣ Visit our new booking site
2️⃣ Create your account
3️⃣ Follow the registration steps and add your rider details
4️⃣ Once registered, you can start viewing and booking available activities

From riding lessons and groups to hacks, Pony Club and experiences, we're hoping the new system will make managing your bookings much simpler.

👉 Register now:
https://harness-change.horseriding.app/

Even if you're not ready to make a booking today, we'd encourage all our regular riders to register now so your account is ready for your next visit.

If you have any problems getting set up, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Harness Change Online System

25/08/2026

Our latest Adult Beginner Horse Riding Course has officially come to an end, and it has been wonderful to see how much everyone’s confidence and riding skills have grown over the six weeks.

But their journey isn't quite finished yet! The group are now planning their first Intermediate Woodland Hack, which was included as a complimentary extra for everyone who booked the full course. It will be a fantastic opportunity to put everything they've learnt into practice and enjoy the beautiful countryside on horseback.

We're now looking at running another Adult Beginner Horse Riding Course and would love to hear from anyone interested in joining us.

If you've always wanted to learn to ride, want to return to horses after some time away, or simply fancy trying something new, drop us a message or email us to register your interest.

We'll use the responses to help us choose a day and time that works best for the next group. 🐴

24/08/2026

🐴 A lovely write-up in The Westmorland Gazette about our Summer HAF Programme!

It's been an absolute pleasure welcoming so many children to Harness Change this summer and giving them the opportunity to spend time with the horses, learn new skills and enjoy being outdoors.

We've loved seeing confidence grow throughout the sessions – and we suspect we've sent a few children home completely horsey mad! 🐴💚

For those who want to continue their horsey journey, our subsidised Pony Club runs every Saturday, giving young people the opportunity to keep learning about riding, horse care, handling and safety in a fun and supportive group.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making our summer programme such a success including Westmorland and Furness Council for funding and amazing programme. We're already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for our Winter HAF Programme! ❄️🐴

You can read the Gazette article here:

An equestrian centre has been offering summer holiday sessions for local children.

14/08/2026

Last week our participants got hands-on learning all about horses’ hooves, foot care and farriery.

We explored why regular hoof care and good nutrition are so important for keeping horses healthy, and discovered some interesting facts along the way.

Did you know that a horse’s hoof is made from keratin, the same protein found in our hair and nails?

Our HAF days are all about giving children the opportunity to learn through doing, spending time outdoors, developing practical skills and discovering what goes into caring for our horses.

It’s been brilliant to see everyone getting involved, asking questions and growing in confidence around the yard.

A big thank you to everyone who has joined us so far this summer, we’re looking forward to more HAF fun over the coming weeks! 🐴🌿

12/08/2026

We've been having an amazing summer so far with our Holiday Clubs, HAF programmes and Beginner Horse Riding Experiences, and it's certainly been keeping us busy!

With so much going on, we don't always get the chance to capture all those lovely moments ourselves, so we'd love to see the experience through your eyes.

If you've visited Harness Change recently, please tag us in your photos, videos and reels, share them with us, or send us a DM with any pictures you're happy for us to repost on our pages.

We love seeing your first rides, favourite horses, big smiles and special moments, and sharing what a day at Harness Change is really like. 💚🐴

31/07/2026

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who supports Harness Change at Cumbria Rural Academy CIC on . Just by taking an extra step when you shop online and collecting a free donation for us, we've currently raised over £27.59!

Not one of our supporters yet? Please join today!

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

29/07/2026

Summer is a great time to try something new, reconnect with the outdoors, or return to a hobby you've always wanted to pursue.

At Harness Change, we've put together a range of adult equestrian activities designed for complete beginners through to experienced riders. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve your riding, enjoy time in the beautiful Lake District countryside, or simply experience the wellbeing benefits of spending time with horses, there's something for everyone.

Our approach goes beyond teaching people to ride. By incorporating Equine Facilitated Learning into our coaching, we help riders develop stronger partnerships with their horses, improve confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of communication and behaviour that benefits both horse and rider.

As a Community Interest Company, every booking also helps us continue providing accessible equestrian opportunities and community programmes across Cumbria.

If you've been thinking about giving horse riding a go, or returning to the saddle after time away, we'd love to welcome you this summer.

📍 Bigland Hall Equine, Backbarrow, Cumbria
🌐 www.HarnessChange.co.uk

27/07/2026

A huge thank you to AMA Leatherwork for providing us with some beautiful new handmade bridles for the horses at Harness Change. 🐴

They are wonderfully made, and we are very grateful for the time, care and skill that has gone into creating them. AMA Leatherwork also offers leather repairs and handmade items including dog collars. You can find out more and see her work here:https://www.ama-leatherwork.co.uk/

Thank you again for supporting Harness Change and helping us keep our horses looking so smart. 💚

Model: Tommy (he loves having his picture taken!)

24/07/2026

🐴 More Than Just Riding Lessons

At Harness Change, we believe learning to ride is about far more than technique. It's about building confidence, understanding your horse, and developing a genuine partnership.

Our adult lessons combine riding instruction with principles of Equine Facilitated Learning, helping riders improve communication, awareness, confidence and trust both on the ground and in the saddle.

Whether you're returning to riding after years away, taking your very first lesson, or looking to become a more thoughtful and effective rider, our coaching is tailored to you and your horse.

By learning to understand how horses think, communicate and respond, riders develop stronger partnerships, greater confidence and skills that last long after the lesson has finished.

If you're looking for a supportive, welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace, we'd love to welcome you.

📍 Bigland Hall Equine, Backbarrow
🌐 www.HarnessChange.co.uk
📞 015395 30333

21/07/2026

🌞 Summer Adventures Start Here! 🐴

Looking for something different to keep the children entertained this summer?

Join us at Harness Change for fun-filled horse riding and equestrian activities in the beautiful Lake District. Whether they're meeting horses for the very first time or already love spending time around ponies, we have something for everyone.

Our summer activities include:
🐴 Beginner Horse Riding Experiences
🌿 Woodland Hacks
🎠 Tiny Tots Sessions
🐎 Children's Riding Lessons
⭐ Pony Club Activities
🎨 Holiday Activity Club with horse care, games, crafts and more

It's the perfect opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Spaces are limited throughout the summer holidays, so book early to avoid disappointment.

📍 Bigland Hall Equine, Backbarrow, LA12 8PB
📞 015395 30333
🌐 www.HarnessChange.co.uk